Washable and wearable computers have moved one step closer to reality after a UK university produced a prototype garment that integrates electronic micro-devices right into the fabric.

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University's Advanced Textiles Research Group have created a garment fitted with light emitting diodes (LEDs), as a way to showcase "smart and interactive textiles".

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They say that there could be medical or military applications for the technology, such as body health monitors or "invisibility" cloaks.

But some analysts also feel that wearable tech could be a big growth area in consumer electronic goods over the next few years.

Current techniques involve electronic modules being inserted into clothing after it has already been produced, which can result in the material being inflexible and require the tech to be removed before washing.

However, the Nottingham Trent researchers have developed a way to place a semi-conductor chip actually within the fibres of a yarn.

Micro Electronic Textiles (MET) feature sensors smaller than the size of a pinhead being integrated in the fibre. This produces a 'smart textile' that retains the fabric's basic characteristics of being tactile, flexible, machine washable and able to be tumble-dried.

According to the research team, this technology could be used to monitor chemical reactions and vital signs for medical and sporting assessments.

They feel it could also be used for illuminated textiles in fashion by creating malleable mood fabrics that change colour depending on the situation.

Professor Tilak Dias, who leads the Advanced Textiles Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, said that there are various applications for their technology.

"The prototype uses LEDs but the technology can also result in variations of washable, wearable computers that can monitor vital signs for well-being, provide intelligent textiles for the military, have invisibility cloaking capabilities, and create flexible and conformable displays," Dias said.

"Although the concept is technology-led, its focus is around design accessibility."

The wearable tech market is considered by many to be a big future growth area, covering various products such as augmented-reality eyewear, smartwatches, sports clothing that can monitor heart rates, and clothing that lights up if a mobile phone rings.

According to data from IMS Research, shipments of wearable tech are likely to rise by more than 500% from 2011 to 2016, to 92.5 million units worldwide.

"Wearable technologies provide a range of benefits to users, from informing and entertaining, to monitoring health, to improving fitness, to enhancing military and industry applications," said Theo Ahadome, senior analyst for medical research at IMS Research.

"Because of all these uses, IMS Research foresees major potential for growth in all kinds of wearable technology products."

Wearable technology is described as products that "are worn on an individual's body for extended periods of time, significantly enhancing the user experience via features including advanced circuitry, wireless connectivity and independent-processing capability".

It currently fits into four different categories: fitness and wellness, healthcare and medical, industrial and military, and infotainment.

So far, the former two categories have seen the most growth (although it is tricky to gauge how far ahead military tech is in this field), but IHS feels that there will be much more activity in wearable infotainment tech over the next few years.

This may be particularly due to the rise in popularity of smartwatches featuring additional functionality, such as the Pebble SmartWatch, which is now shipping to its first customers.